Fatal Crash at Johnson Co. Construction Zone

Three vehicles were involved in a crash which left one person dead on US Rt. 45 Northbound in Johnson County yesterday.

According to the Illinois State Police, a Ford van was stopped at a construction zone with a 2003 Freightliner Semi coming to a stop behind it, when a 2007 Freightliner being driven by 58-year old Ronald Parker of Dawson Springs, Kentucky failed to stop in time, before hitting the rear of the 2003 Freightliner, sending that truck into the rear of the Ford van. Parker was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

The driver of the van, 31-year old Amy Sturms of Norris City, was taken to a local hospital with major injuries, as well as the passenger, 31-year old Amy Duncan, also of Norris City.

The driver of the 2003 Freightliner, 47-year old Christopher Jones of Johnston City, was also taken to a local hospital with major injuries.